SEMA 2012: Our Favorite LS-Powered Cars Of The Show

Throughout the week at SEMA 2012, we saw more vehicles with LS mills under their hoods than we have seen in awhile. We’re not complaining one bit. Some of the biggest names in the industry have stepped up with the most awesome LS-powered creations yet.

The Hurst-Themed Goat was packing an Edelbrock E-Force blower on top of it's LS3.

But this wasn’t limited to just aftermarket parts suppliers, we ran across plenty of cars and trucks that we would love to run features on, but both time and space just won’t allow it. So follow along as give you the over view of our favorite rides.

’65 “Hurst Themed” Pontiac GTO

This GTO was built by Tad Nelson as a tribute to the classic Hurst-tuned Goats of yore, while asking the question, “What would a ’65 GTO be like today if it was built using all of today’s modern technology?” What you’re looking at here is the answer.

It features an Edelbrock supercharged LS3, a 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel ABS brakes with a traction control system, and other modern luxuries and conveniences like remote keyless entry, remote start, and even daytime running lights.

All told, this throwback A-body makes 600hp and 550 ft-lbs. of of torque, while coming equipped with plenty of other aftermakret parts like Hellwig swaybars, Flowmaster exhaust, and an ACT clutch.

Murdered Out 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

We spotted this murdered-out G8 parked outside the convention center, and it caught our eye every time we walked passed it (which ended up being a lot). Under the hood was a TVS-blown 6-liter with all of the bolt ons necessary to work in conjunction with the relatively large 2300cc supercharger. 

Throughout the the mechanicals, you’ll find larger injectors, an aftermarket fuel pump, and American Racing 1 7/8-inch primary headers, dual 2-1/2-inch piping and Z06 dual mode mufflers. Of course , underneath is a whole host of aftermarket suspension upgrades that lowers the ride height, and improves the overall handling.

Despite the fact that the long block remains unchanged, the owner (who we couldn’t get a hold of) is confident that this G8, number 431 of the first 888 produced, is putting down close to 500hp.

2010 Camaro SS/Ute

A few years back, we ran across a “What if?” rendering somewhere that combined the front of a new Chevy Camaro with the body of a Holden Maloo Ute. It makes sense, they’re both about the same with, both are based on the Zeta platform, and both could be combined to create the ultimate modern “El Camaino”.

A supercharged LS3 never hurt anybody.

But now someone has actually done it – mounted a 5th Gen ZL1 front fascia to the body of a Holden Maloo Ute pickup. The specifics are few on Bernt Karrlson’s “Holden8r, ” but according to the spec sheet, it’s packing a Magnuson-blown LS3, and features a Magnaflow exhaust, RK Sport trimmings, and an upgraded audio system.

We didn’t get a look at any dyno numbers or timeslips, nor have we had a chance to track Bernt down to get an interior or complete engine shot, but we do know that it sits on a killer set of TSW wheels and a massive brake kit.

The Maggie sits underneath a see-through hole on the carbon fiber hood, while the rear looks pretty much like a stock Holden Maloo.

BMW E30 M3

When was the last time you've seen an LS3 in a real M3?

We spotted this BMW in front of the Optima Batteries booth on our first day of SEMA. Owned by Kevin Byrd of Two Guys Garage, this car pretty much speaks for itself.

It’s a BMW E30 M3, the first in a long line of M-Tuned, 3-Series sport coupes from Bavarian’s finest. But instead of the 220hp mill that originally powered the tuner 3-series, this one has received a complete engine swap featuring – you guessed it – an LS3.

What’s cool about this example is that instead of a half-hearted hack-job, this Bimmer has been adorned with a fresh coat of metallic blue paint, with a off-centered racing stripe. Besides, you can’t heavily modify a classic like an E30 M3 and  do a crappy job.

Speaking of stripes, the triple M colors have not only found their way into the interior cabin, but on the LS3’s engine covers, bringing the whole scheme together for one awesome package. Together, the 480hp LS3 and the cosmetic touches brings a blend of import styling and American musclecar performance together for the ultimate street car. The all-alloy mill is backed of course by a T-56 6-speed gearbox.

Every aspect of this Bimmer has been restored and centered around that massive 6.2L V8 under the hood.

Pro-Touring 1969 Camaro

Littlefield's Camaro speaks volumes about the work he does in his Charlestown, Rhode Island shop.

You can’t ever go wrong with a ’69 Camaro. It’s impossible. They’ve been popular since day one, and with their combination of style, class, and performance capabilities, it’s no wonder. We have the perfect example for you today in the form of Bob Littlefield’s pro-touring 1st Gen.

Underneath the aluminum hood is the Mast-built 700hp LS7.

The F-body has received a complete makeover during the passed year, and every little detail is overwhelmingly better than the car that Bob originally started with. Starting the body, the entire front clip is constructed from a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber body panels, which levels out the weight distribution out to near perfect at 51/49.

Under the aluminum hood sits an aluminum, 700hp LS7 built by Mast Motorsports, which makes this Camaro quicker than any GM engineer could have imagined back in 1969. A Magnum T56 transmission is responsible for shifting the car around the track, while a Chris Alston suspension system puts the power to the pavement.

All of this wouldn’t be complete without the addition of some good binders, so Bob utilized a set of Wilwood Brakes front and back to bring this near 3,000-pound Camaro to a halt in a hurry. Bob built the entire Chevy himself in his own shop, and you can read all about what he does and more on this Camaro on Littlefield’s website here.

LS Still Sets The Pace…

It doesn’t take a genius to realize that the LS is still the engine of choice for high-end builders and weekend warriors alike – and even a short stroll through the halls of SEMA 2012 would prove that fact to any skeptic. These five rides are perfect examples of the kind of projects that are still being produced the world over with our favorite engine; ranging from factory tuners, to swaps, all way to wild customs.

About the author

Rick Seitz

Being into cars at a very early age, Rick has always preferred GM performance cars, and today's LS series engines just sealed the deal. When he's not busy running errands around town in his CTS-V, you can find him in the garage wrenching on his WS6 Trans Am, or at the local cruise spots in his Grand National.
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